Tetanus, also called “lockjaw”, is caused by bacteria
mostly found in the soil. When the germs enter the
skin through a cut or scrape, they produce a poison
that can cause spasms (painful tightening of muscles)
all over the body. In severe cases, breathing muscles
are affected. Up to 2 in 10 people who get tetanus
could die.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the nose
and throat. About 1 in 10 people who get diphtheria
could die. The bacteria is spread through the air by
persons sneezing or coughing and direct skin-to-skin
contact. The disease can result in very severe
breathing problems. It can also cause heart failure
and paralysis.

People with serious cuts or deep wounds whose
last tetanus vaccine was given more than five years
ago.

The vaccine can also be given as a series to adults
who have not been immunized or do not have a
record of prior immunization.

In young children, immunization for tetanus and
diphtheria is combined with other vaccines, such
as pertussis (whooping cough), polio and
Haemophilus influenzae type b. These are given as
a series of injections.
A mild illness, with or without a fever, is not a reason
to avoid immunization.

Persons who have a serious illness, with or without
a fever, should delay immunizations.

People who have had a life-threatening reaction to
a previous dose of the vaccine or who have serious
allergies to any of the vaccine components.

Be immunized.

When you get immunized, you help protect others

as well.

Practice good hygiene (e.g. handwashing).
The vaccine can be given to persons 7 years of age
and older.

Adults should get the vaccine every 10 years if
they received a series earlier in life.
People who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome
(GBS) within 6 weeks of getting tetanus vaccine
should not get the vaccine. GBS is a rare
neurological condition that can result in weakness
and paralysis of the body’s muscles.

Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the
vaccine than to get tetanus or diphtheria.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include:

Soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site.

Some individuals may experience fatigue, headache,
mild fever or dizziness.

These reactions
are mild and
generally last 1
to 2 days.
It is important to
stay in the clinic for
15 minutes after
getting any vaccine
because there is an
extremely rare
possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called
anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing,
or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this happens
after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local
emergency number. This reaction can be treated, and
occurs in less than one in one million people who get
the vaccine.

Report any adverse or unexpected reactions to your
local public health nurse, or your doctor, or nurse
practitioner as soon as possible.
Talk to your public health nurse if:

You have questions or concerns about your or your
child’s reaction to an immunization.

You had to take your child to a doctor, hospital or
health center with an illness that might be related to
an immunization.
Td Adsorbed vaccine contains tetanus toxoid,
diphtheria toxoid, aluminum phosphate and
trace amounts of formaldehyde. The vial
stopper is latex free. The vaccine does not
contain thimerosal.
It is recommended that parents/guardians and their
children discuss consent for immunization. Efforts
are first made to get parental/guardian consent for
immunizations. However, children at least 13 years
of age up to and including 17 years of age, who are
able to understand the benefits and possible
reactions for each vaccine and the risks of not
getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse
immunizations in Saskatchewan by providing
mature minor informed consent to a healthcare
provider.
To ensure that a complete immunization record is
maintained, every immunization administered to an
individual will be documented by Public Health into
the electronic provincial immunization registry,
known as Panorama. Panorama is a secure
electronic system used in Saskatchewan to record
and manage immunization records and the health
information related to immunization for all
Saskatchewan residents. Your immunization
records may also be shared with health care
professionals in order to provide public health
services; assist with diagnosis and treatment; and to
control the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.
More information about Panorama can be found in
the fact sheet “Protecting the Privacy of Your
Immunization Record”.
For more information contact your local public
health office, your physician, nurse practitioner
OR HealthLine at 811.
References: Canadian Immunization Guide, Evergreen Ed.,
(2012); Product Monograph (2012).